MixerNet-SAGA A Novel Deep Learning Architecture for Superior Road Extraction in High-Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery

In this study, we address the limitations of current deep learning models in road extraction tasks from remote sensing imagery. We introduce MixerNet-SAGA, a novel deep learning model that incorporates the strengths of U-Net, integrates a ConvMixer block for enhanced feature extraction, and includes a Scaled Attention Gate (SAG) for augmented spatial attention. Experimental validation on the Massachusetts road dataset and the DeepGlobe road dataset demonstrates that MixerNet-SAGA achieves a 10% improvement in precision, 8% in recall, and 12% in IoU compared to leading models such as U-Net, ResNet, and SDUNet. Furthermore, our model excels in computational efficiency, being 20% faster, and has a smaller model size. Notably, MixerNet-SAGA shows exceptional robustness against challenges such as same-spectrum–different-object and different-spectrum–same-object phenomena. Ablation studies further reveal the critical roles of the ConvMixer block and SAG. Despite its strengths, the model’s scalability to extremely large datasets remains an area for future investigation. Collectively, MixerNet-SAGA offers an efficient and accurate solution for road extraction in remote sensing imagery and presents significant potential for broader applications.